August 4, 1997

The Millennium Crunch: Government's Time To Act Th e U.S. government must mandate research to prevent the collapse of critical systems in the year 2000 By William M. Ulrich he federal government is not doing enough to address risks posed by the year 2000 computer date-field problem. In the spring of 1996, the House of Representatives began hearings on the issue. Federal agencies were told to get the situation under control, and software companies testified as to compliance. But these efforts have fallen far short of what is required-and expected-from Washington. Congress and President Clinton are taking little or no action in areas in which they should be driving solutions. Small to midsize companies are oblivious to the problem, state and local agencies are inadequatel y funded, national infrastructure issues remain a threat, and most citizens are uninformed. The federal government must take immediate action to mitigate potential risks to our nation. The private sector can provide the government with insights dealing with 2000. In major companies, management prioritizes system remediation and business-partner compliance projects to alleviate internal and external risks. This approach reflects a basic survival strategy that is required because time is running out. The government, which must take a broad view of the problem as it affects our nation, must deal with direct and indirect threats as well. Addressing direct threats requires correcting year 2000 problems at key agencies that affect the welfare of our citizens. Dealing with indirect threats, on the other hand, includes addressing infrastructure problems, private-sector compliance, negative impacts from countries that are ignoring the problem, and the stability of state and local governments. Dealing with in-house agencies is a high priority. Problems that directly affect the well-being of citizens must be funded and fixed quickly so that key services remain viable. But areas not under the direct control of the federal government also pose risks. Regulated industries, including utilities, communications, and transportation, also require immediate review and attention. Research into the effect of the year 2000 problem on the embedded systems that control many of these industries is seriously lagging. If computer-controlled water supply, power grid, air traffic control, and other critical systems fail due to a year 2000 crash, we would face a catastrophic situation. The government must mandate comprehensive research into potential problems to prevent the collapse of critical infrastructure functions. The government can also influence private-sector compliance. One way would be for the government to strengthen mandates for public disclosure stating how companies are addressing the problem. Another action item includes reworking legislative priorities that could negatively affect year 2000 fixes at state and local governments. There may be a way to postpone welfare system changes, for example, while states fix their year 2000 problem. Another hurdle is that other countries are not taking the year 2000 seriously. Establishing compliance requirements on import items is one way our government could communicate our resolve on this issue. Finally, the government should inform individuals and smaller companies that the year 2000 threat is something they must be prepared to deal with. We face the potential of a serious emergency in a little more than two years. We do not know the full impact of the year 2000 problem because of limited research. This must change. Is the government willing to risk the dismantling of our society because we were too busy to pay attention? With time running out, the president must work with Congress to take up the fight. It is no longer just a technical problem-it's everyone's pro blem, and it draws closer with each passing hour. William M. Ulrich is president of Tactical Strategy Group Inc., a Soquel, Calif., consulting firm specializing in architecture transition strategies, and is co-author of The Year 2000 Software Crisis: Challenge of the Century (Yourdon Press, 1997). He can be contacted at tsginc@cruzio.com . Back to Columnists Send Us Your Feedback Top of the Page

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